asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he intends to take to combat the rise in the crime rate.

We shall continue the broad-based strategy to which my right hon. Friend referred in his answer to a Question by my hon. Friend, the Member for Derby, South (Mr. Johnson) on 2nd March—[Vol. 945, c. 311]—by providing extra support for the police, strengthening the powers of the courts and treatment of offender facilities, and encouraging local involvement in crime prevention.